Sarah Broadhurst's view...

I am a big fan of this author. She tackles gritty, sensitive issues in a thrilling manner. This one is about post-natal depression which it displays in its worst form. Jessica and Matthew are happy, young and in love. Their pregnancy is unexpected, a bit earlier than planned but still welcomed. Sadly the birth is a Caesarean and Jessica feels distant from her daughter. She then can’t breast feed and feels ill. Everyone else is euphoric. Eventually she gets medical help and things do improve. Then suddenly she begins to deteriorate. This has now gone on for a year and then, of course, the crisis comes. A page-turner, difficult to put down, brilliantly written in an accessible style and language. We have the story itself and also a diary, so sad. I cannot speak too highly of this book.

Reader Reviews

In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion some of our Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title. You canclick here to read the full reviews.

Celia Cohen - 'Heart rending but absolutely captivating.'

Judith Waring - 'a really gripping read and many congratulations to the author for highlighting a 'taboo' subject and helping to shed some much needed light on it.'

Victoria Goldman - 'I loved this book and couldn't put it down. A Mother's Story triggered so many of my emotions - I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, I felt sad … One of the most moving books I have read for some time.'

Kim Feasey - 'Amazingly well written book with characters you really care about. Jessica and Matthew have the perfect relationship- a baby can only cement it, can't it? A real page turner.'

Carolyn Huckfield - 'This is a sensitively written and beautifully told exploration of mental illness. It is hard to read in places but in the end is hopeful and uplifting.'

Catherine Fagan - 'The most emotional book I've read in a long time. Deeply moving and handled with the utmost sensitivity.'

Lisa Hall - 'This was my first Amanda Prowse novel, and its not going to be my last - a little different to my usual read, the story line pulled me in from the beginning.'

Synopsis

A Mother's Story by Amanda Prowse

The unputdownable new novel from bestseller Amanda Prowse. Jessica has just had the wedding of her dreams, and now she's setting up a new home with her lawyer husband Matthew. Even better - they are expecting a child. As they paint the nursery and shop for babygros, she plans for the joy that motherhood will bring. But Jessica's experience is far from joyous. Why isn't she transformed by maternal feelings? Where is the all-consuming love she's supposed to feel for her child? No-one told her that being a mum was so lonely and terrifying. No-one told her you don't always love your baby. Perhaps it's best if Jessica keeps that dark secret to herself for now...

Reviews

'The evocative novel gave me an understanding of a difficult and tragic subject ... Brilliantly written, the characters are likeable and I couldn't put it down'Prima Baby

About the Author

Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. She is also the author of Poppy Day (Head of Zeus, 2012). She lives in the West Country with her husband Simeon, a soldier, and their two sons.